New Mercedes-Benz GLC unveiled, GLK successor now better in every way [+Video]



The Mercedes-Benz GLC has officially been revealed to the world (by supermodel Petra Nemcova, no less), and this time it’s made for the world instead of being limited only to the left-hand drive markets like its predecessor, the GLK.

Four variants are introduced this time around, and all of them feature the brand’s 4Matic all-wheel drive system that receives power from a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission; except one – the GLC 350e variant which comes with a seven-speed 7G-Tronic box.Mercedes-Benz X205 GLC 007

EXTERIOR

Previewed a couple of months ago in the form of Concept GLC Coupé and spied earlier wearing a thin disguise, we can see that the GLC dons a jacked-up W205 C-Class looks, because it is based on the same platform as the C-Class after all.

Mercedes-Benz X205 GLC 006

At 4,656 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, and 1,639 mm tall, it’s bigger than the GLK in every way, and even the wheelbase has been significantly stretched from 2,755 mm to 2,873 mm.

Buyers will be given the option to choose from three trims: Exclusive line, AMG line, and Off-Road line; but every GLC will come with a huge three-pointed star right smack in the twin-louvred grille. The AMG line gets a set of 19-inch wheels (an inch up from the other two trims) to complement the AMG bumpers, while the Off-Road line is fitted with unique bumpers optimised for steep climbing angles as well as chrome-plated bumper guards.

INTERIOR

Thanks to the increased dimensions, occupants get more room on the inside compared to the GLK. Cargo space has also been boosted by 80 litres to 550 litres, and the rear seats back rests now split 40:20:40.Mercedes-Benz X205 GLC 010

The cabin architecture follows the W205 C-Class, with the familiar dashboard and the lot. Choose the Exclusive line and you’ll get a combination Artico leather and fabric upholstery complemented by high gloss wood trim. But if you opt for the AMG line, you’ll receive a mix of Artico leather and Dinamica microfibre upholstery, a sportier AMG flat bottom steering wheel, aluminium trim inserts, piano black center console, as well as a set of AMG sports pedals.

PERFORMANCE

At launch there will be four variants of the GLC, two petrol and two diesel. The diesel couple are the GLC 220d 4MATIC and the GLC 250d 4MATIC. Both are powered by the same diesel lump but the former gives out 170 hp and 400 Nm while the latter churns out 204 hp and 500 Nm. Yes, 500 Nm of torque!Mercedes-Benz X205 GLC 015

If you don’t fancy sharing the fuel pump with the lorries, there’s the GLC 250 4MATIC with 211 hp and 350 Nm, as well as the GLC 350e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid that combines a 211 hp petrol engine with a 116 hp electric motor and 560 Nm of total torque.

SAFETY

Of course the GLC comes with airbags. There’s the usual front airbags as well as side airbags, and there are airbags on the pillars too. Additionally, there are optional airbag for the driver’s knees and side airbags for the two outer rear passengers.Mercedes-Benz X205 GLC 025

On top of that, the GLC is equipped with a host of driving assistance. Fitted as standard are the Attention Assist or an ESP® system with Dynamic Cornering Assist, Crosswind Assist, Headlamp Assist, and Collision Prevention Assist Plus. Buyers then can add on more driving assistant systems such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE® PLUS, and Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot from the mile-long options list.

WHAT ELSE?

Want more? Mercedes offers the Night package with the GLC. No, it’s not a 3 days 2 nights holiday package, but rather an exterior enhancing kit for the Exclusive and AMG lines which consist of matte black roof rails, tinted rear windows, glossy black finish on side mirror housings, side window trims, and bumper guards; and a choice of either 19-inch or 20-inch wheels.Mercedes-Benz X205 GLC 012

Another package is called the Off-Road Engineering package. It features up to five off-road driving programs, a dynamic real-time COMAND display, Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) as well as raising the GLC by up to 50 mm.

Sales of the GLC will start this November, but give or take a few months before it lands on our shores and we’re looking at an early-2016 Malaysian debut for the GLC. Now that we’ve seen the GLC in its full glory, chances are you’re more interested to see the production version of the GLC Coupé, no?


IMAGE GALLERY